August 12, 2004: Headlines: Business: Self Development: Education: Non-traditional Education: Management: Small Business: Tampa Tribune: Stuffed with jewelry, drums and doodads, RPCV Dena Gruman's former shop was an expression of the quirky spirit that breathed life into Baywinds
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August 12, 2004: Headlines: Business: Self Development: Education: Non-traditional Education: Management: Small Business: Tampa Tribune: Stuffed with jewelry, drums and doodads, RPCV Dena Gruman's former shop was an expression of the quirky spirit that breathed life into Baywinds
Stuffed with jewelry, drums and doodads, RPCV Dena Gruman's former shop was an expression of the quirky spirit that breathed life into Baywinds
Stuffed with jewelry, drums and doodads, RPCV Dena Gruman's former shop was an expression of the quirky spirit that breathed life into Baywinds
End Comes For Baywinds Adult Learning Center Location
Aug 12, 2004
Tampa Tribune
by Peggy Lim
Thursday August 12, 2004
[Excerpt]
There were stacks of books -- remnants of a gift shop that her predecessor, Dena Gruman, the founder of Baywinds, used to run. The gift shop, Eggplants and Artichokes, closed three years ago when Gruman, who owned Baywinds for 17 years, sold the company to Miller.
Moving Forward
Stuffed with jewelry, drums and doodads, Gruman's former shop was an expression of the quirky spirit that breathed life into Baywinds. One book that used to be in the store, "The Girls with the Grandmother Faces," was like a paean to the center's former owner.
"I have the grandmother face, but I'm still 18 years old in some ways -- thank God!" Gruman, 70, said in her earthy Massachusetts accent.
Although the shop closed and its visionary founder is gone, Baywinds holds onto its original ethos, although the organization is changing. Gruman and Miller share salt-and-pepper, grandmotherly looks, but they exude contrasting management styles.
Gruman, a former educator and Peace Corps volunteer, had little business knowledge before she scraped together a catalog of classes that jump-started Baywinds in 1984. She modeled it after learning centers she had seen in Manhattan. Despite some initial red ink, Baywinds grew and flourished.
Gruman led numerous classes for shy singles on the art of flirting and hosted popular "conversation-plus parties."
"I'm into teaching people how to be risk-takers," said Gruman, who plans to carry the concept to other countries in her retirement. "I believe quality of life can be achieved, but we all have a fear quotient that needs to be challenged."
Under her free-spirited direction, however, business management was often a secondary consideration. This was an asset and liability for Gruman, some said.
Welcome to Baywinds Adult Learning Center!
Baywinds Adult Learning Center offers seminars, workshops and classes for adults.
For 20 years Baywinds has provided the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas with the opportunity to explore new hobbies, income and business ideas, computer education, personal growth, and social events.
Whether you are looking for a class in
* personal development
* increasing your job skills
* meeting new people
in Tampa Bay or just want to take a class to learn about something new, Baywinds Adult Learning Center has a seminar, workshop or class that is right for you!
Reasonably priced, centrally located (right off the Fletcher exit on I-275) and expertly taught, Baywinds is Florida's premiere learning center.
* * * * * *
Take a look around our website.
You'll find over 400 class listings on hundreds of topics, many that change quarterly to reflect the evolving interests of the rapidly growing Bay Area, all taught by national speakers and local experts enthusiastic about their field and eager to share their information with you!
* REAL ESTATE
* COMPUTERS
* WRITING
* BUSINESS, FINANCE and CAREERS
* PERSONAL GROWTH
* ARTS, CRAFTS AND HOBBIES
* RECREATION and SOCIAL
* FOREIGN LANGUAGES
* BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT
* HEALTH AND FITNESS
Baywinds Adult Learning Center is the largest and most successful adult learning center in Florida. Baywinds Adult Learning Center boasts over 400 class listings in hundreds of topics; many that change quarterly to reflect the evolving interests of the rapidly growing Bay Area.
Baywinds Adult Learning Center provides an environment where like minded individuals can listen and learn from one another. Baywinds Adult Learning Center is dedicated to providing quality classes that enhances the lives of the individual and Tampa Bay.
When this story was prepared, here was the front page of PCOL magazine:
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Story Source: Tampa Tribune
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Business; Self Development; Education; Non-traditional Education; Management; Small Business
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